14 February 2008

Team Sheffield will look to secure a third consecutive Indoor City Challenge title on home turf this Sunday, at Sheffield’s EIS. However, this will be no easy feat judging by the standard of competition at the semi-finals in Manchester and Cardiff.

Sheffield’s title quest will receive a boost from a late team addition, heptathlete Jessica Ennis, who missed the semi-final qualifier competing for Great Britain in Glasgow the day before. The commonwealth bronze medallist will double up on Sunday competing in the long jump and 60m.

Team London North, who compete as the top city from the Cardiff semi-final, after their late surge to victory, will no doubt have last year’s excruciatingly narrow defeat fresh in their minds, fuelling their ambition for the top spot.

Surprise additions to the final line-up are Team Edinburgh and Team Cardiff who deservedly won their place through exceptional individual performances, notably Joe Thomas (Cardiff), who had a truly spectacular win in the 800m and Noni Mordi (Edinburgh) who captivated the audience in the triple jump.

The prizes on offer from UK Athletics are £60 for each athlete in the winning team, £45 for second place and £30 for third, warm weather training packages for the male and female ‘Athlete of the Match’ provided by WGT Sport Ltd and various adidas kit packages.

The top teams from the first semi-final, Team Birmingham, Team Edinburgh and Team Manchester will join returning winners Team Sheffield at the EIS on Sunday. Team London North, Team Bristol, Team London South and Team Cardiff advance to Sheffield from the second semi held in Cardiff. 

Entry for spectators is FREE!

For more information visit www.ukathletics.net/competitions/indoor-city-challenge/final